Virginia Beach Military Divorce Lawyer
The Coastal Virginia Law Firm provides military divorce representation for service members and military spouses throughout Hampton Roads. Brook Thibault brings more than a decade of daily courtroom experience in divorce, custody, and visitation matters, including cases involving military retirement, federal benefits, deployment, PCS orders, and interstate jurisdiction. We develop practical strategies to protect your family, parental rights, and financial future. Call 888-402-7117 for a free consultation.
Prefer to write? Use our online consultation form.
%20(2).jpg)
Military Divorce Issues We Handle
%20(2).jpg)
Federal Benefits and Military Custody
Military divorce in Virginia involves state family law and federal rules. We help service members and military spouses across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads address military retirement, survivor benefits, TRICARE eligibility, support, and deployment-related custody.
The 10/10 rule concerns whether DFAS can pay a former spouse directly; it does not decide whether a Virginia court may divide the marital share of military retired pay. Orders dividing retirement and providing Survivor Benefit Plan coverage need careful language and attention to deadlines. Health coverage has separate eligibility rules.
Deployment and PCS orders can affect parenting schedules, relocation, and which court has authority. We work toward practical custody and support plans that account for duty obligations and the child’s best interests. Call 888-402-7117 to discuss your situation.
For more detail on retirement, benefits, and custody, read our military divorce guide.
We also serve military families in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News. During a consultation, we can identify the divorce, parenting, retirement, and benefit questions that need attention first.
Can deployment affect a Virginia custody order?
Yes. Under Virginia Code § 20-124.8, an order limiting previously ordered custody or visitation rights because of a parent’s deployment must identify deployment as the reason and be temporary. A returning parent may ask the court to review the order; the statute calls for a prompt hearing. The outcome depends on the order and the child’s best interests.
Does the 10/10 rule determine whether a spouse can receive military retirement pay?
No. The 10/10 rule governs whether DFAS can pay a former spouse directly under a qualifying court order: the marriage must overlap at least 10 years of the member’s creditable military service. If that requirement is not met, a retired pay award is not automatically invalid; DFAS cannot enforce that property award by direct payment. A Virginia court’s division of military retired pay is a separate question.